Venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes: results of a longitudinal continuation study

To evaluate the intermediate term efficacy and toxicity of the use of venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes.

An open-label continuation phase study following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that tested three doses of venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes.

North Central Cancer Treatment Group institutions.

102 postmenopausal women.

Women could titrate venlafaxine to optimum efficacy while recording daily hot flash counts and weekly toxicity information.

Hot flash frequency, hot flash score.

The reduction in hot flashes previously reported in the randomized study phase was maintained during the open-label study. Toxicity did not appear to increase over time.

The data from this study provides evidence that venlafaxine has intermediate term efficacy and good tolerability as a treatment for hot flashes.

Nurses can inform symptomatic women that an effective nonhormonal alternative exists to control their hot flashes.